We live near the canal, so most walks involve at least a bit of towpath. Because of this we have always trained our dogs to sit when we see cyclists or runners on the towpath. Joy has been doing really well at this lately, often sitting without even being asked to and as a result getting lots of praise and rewards. Thisafternoon though we came back along a lane with a narrow pavement. It being sunny and (almost) warm, there were quite a few cyclists about and she sat every time she saw one! I thought we were never going to get home! I'm hoping that if I continue to reward the towpath sits and don't reward the roadside sits (perhaps reward for carrying on and ignoring cyclists on the lane or is this going to confuse her more?) she'll get the idea. Otherwise it's going to be a summer of not getting anywhere fast! She looks so sweet though, sitting and looking up at me with her GoodGirlJoy face on.
Sounds like you have done a great job with Joy and cyclist’s. I’m still working my on this one! What do you want to do?
I want her to understand that I want her to sit if she sees cyclists or runners when she's off lead on the towpath, but not when she's on lead on the pavement. I'm just going to have to find a way of explaining it better to her! My fault again!
Sorry didn’t get back to you earlier been having a busy time of late. How old is Joy? I understand what you are trying to do but I’m thinking is it confusing her when off lead to sit on towpath but on pavement to keep walking have I got this sort of right? It’s not your fault at all please don’t feel like this
Hello, thanks for getting back, only just read this, and yes, I've been busy too, Bank Holidays etc. eh?! Little Joy is a year old and really is doing very very well, but with all the dogs I've had, I've had these moments when I've realised 'Hey, I just didn't explain that right!' Don't worry, I don't particularly beat myself up over it, I just kind of think 'Not the poor dog's fault and when will I ever learn?' It's quite a happy thought really, that I have a sweet dog who wants to please me, I just have to do more work on my communication skills.
